The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36

The narrative chronicles military campaigns in Italy and Spain, depicting repeated clashes between Carthaginian commanders and Roman consuls. Episodes detail ambushes, pitched battles, and tactical uses of cavalry and surprise that lead to Roman defeats, town burnings, and the death of a Roman commander, while other engagements see Roman forces counterattack, pursue, and gain partial successes. In Spain a Roman general defeats a Carthaginian leader, captures a noble youth whom he liberates and richly rewards, and allied commanders overcome reinforcements that crossed the Alps. The account also records sieges, operations involving Greek states, and a census revealing heavy citizen losses.